Philosophy

The information on this page pertains to students who were admitted to Drake during the 2018-2019 academic year or were admitted to Drake prior to the 2018-2019 academic year and declared a change to the 2018-2019 catalog requirements.

Students can view the catalog year to which they belong by viewing MyDUSIS > Student Services & Financial Aid tab > Student Records link > View Student Information link. Students who do not belong to the 2018-2019 academic catalog should use the navigation menu on the left of this page to consult the requirements of their particular catalog.

Program Options

Program Overview

The study of philosophy attempts to develop a student’s understanding of the presuppositions underlying the main areas of human inquiry, an awareness of the range of reasonable answers to the ultimate questions individuals ask themselves, and a habit of critical reflection concerning the student’s own convictions about belief and conduct. In addition to the possibilities that the study of philosophy itself provides, we have much to offer as a department. Our size affords us the luxury of really getting to know our students. We take seriously Drake’s commitments to collaborative learning and undergraduate research. We make concerted efforts to involve students in our research projects and programs. And we value the time we spend with students beyond the classroom, engaging in conversation, mentoring students, and building community.

B.A. Degree Requirements

The philosophy major is designed to permit broad interdepartmental studies and interdisciplinary syntheses. It provides a desirable background for graduate study and work in human relations, law, literature, the social sciences, religious studies, and theology. In addition to 18 required credits, students may choose either to "concentrate" their 15 elective credits in one area of study or to "generalize" these credits across three different areas of study. Students may also apply non-department courses toward the major (but only with a written application that explains how the course contributes to the student’s overall work in philosophy).

Course

Credits

PHIL 021 - Introduction to Philosophy

3

PHIL 090 - Ethics

3

PHIL 104 - Ancient Philosophy

3

PHIL 106 - Modern Philosophy

3

One course in non-Western philosophy

3

REL 064 - Introduction to Buddhism

3

PHIL 102 - Philosophy and Religion in Japan

3

PHIL 103 - Philosophy and Religion in China

3

PHIL 111 - Eastern Philosophy

3

PHIL 121 - Comparative Religions

3

PHIL 125 - Philosophy of Religion

3

PHIL 197 - Senior Capstone

3

Elective courses - students may either "concentrate" by taking all courses from one area of study or "generalize" by taking at least one course from each area of study